The 60-unit Treetops complex is nestled among the trees just at Charlesworth Bay, just to the north of Coffs Harbour.Contributed

Travel

High times for all at Treetops

by DamianBathersby

Damian BathersbyA journalist for more than 25 years, Damian Bathersby takes a completely irreverent look at life in his weekly blog Through My Eyes. The twice-married father of four and stepfather of two refuses to take things too seriously because he reckons taking cheap shots at life is the only thing that keeps him sane these days.

WHEN I was a kid, one of the highlights of our annual holiday at the beach was getting to choose one extra activity away from the beach.

The list of choices included favourites such as tenpin bowling, roller-skating or the movies and the decision was made by popular vote, leaving those on the losing side of the ballot with no choice but to hope for better luck next year.

I couldn't help reflecting on those times as we wandered through the grounds of the Pacific Bay precinct while staying at Wyndham Vacation Resorts Coffs Harbour - Treetops.

So many things to do and so much space to do them in.

The Bathersby kids would have been in heaven.

And we wouldn't have had to take a vote because the activities are all laid on at your doorstep.

The 60-unit Treetops complex is tucked away among the trees on beautiful Charlesworth Bay, just to the north of Coffs Harbour, and offers everything from standard one-bedroom apartments up to the three-bedroom Presidential Suite.

Of course, all of them are beautifully appointed and fully self-contained.

We spent two nights in a two-bedroom deluxe unit and although it sounds corny, it felt like home from the moment we arrived.

Of course, our normal home doesn't boast a private balcony looking over the golf course and beautiful grounds of the resort complex.

The beauty of the Treetops resort being located on the Pacific Bay precinct goes far beyond the stunning view we enjoyed from our room.

All the facilities of the nearby Pacific Bay Resort are available to Treetops guests and that includes the par-three golf course, gyms, swimming pools and spas, tennis courts and the Tranquility Day Spa, which is as popular with locals as it is with resort guests.

And even though the Treetops units offer everything the cook in the family will ever need, Charlie's Restaurant is a short stroll through the grounds and is open from breakfast through to dinner overlooking a tranquil waterfall and lagoon.

The beach - a quiet little bay which offers safe swimming for all ages - is just a five-minute rainforest walk away and there are plenty of coastal trails to explore. The walks were beautiful but our favourite way to get around the complex was on a Segway.

It took a few minutes to get the hang of the two-wheeled, self-balancing vehicles but once we'd started, there was no stopping us.

The Segway is the way to go ... and so say all of us.

We were soon scooting along the resort's pathways, through the rainforest to the beach and even to the top of a nearby hill, which offered sweeping views over the area.

The same company which offers the Segway experience also offers laser clay shooting and an outdoor kids action zone consisting of giant blow-up facilities, along the same lines as jumping castles but in a whole new dimension.

Another company runs the Zip Circus Trapeze School, which is open to groups on weekends.

While you don't have to leave your resort at all during your break, there is plenty to see and do as Coffs Harbour remains one of Australia's favourite family holiday destinations.

During our all-too-brief stay, we had time to visit the popular Butterfly House and stop for lunch at one of the restaurants near the Coffs Harbour Jetty.

The iconic Big Banana is just down the road from the resort and the city also boasts the Pet Porpoise Pool, which has been thrilling families for generations.

Oh yes, the Bathersby clan could have holidayed very nicely at Treetops.